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Original poster

Passport countersigned

53 replies

Georgia1508 · 11/03/2014 14:43

Hi please held I signed my friends children's passport now I have recieved letter back from passport agencie asking more information about my friends address etc was the form complete when I signed also asking me for my my work satus worried please help do I have to reply to passport agency ? Or I have been told the passport will be invoid after a few weeks is this true please really do not know what to do ;(((

OP posts:
LIZS · 11/03/2014 19:10

If you agreed to be a counter signatory surely you knew they may follow it up Confused . What is the issue ? How well do you know the friend ? They are only spot checking, not expecting to catch you out . I would expect them to write more than once before rejecting the application. however your friend would then know you didn't give a suitable reference .

AgentProvocateur · 11/03/2014 19:14

What's your profession, OP? If this has sent you into such a tailspin, I hope you're not a medical professional!

WeAreEternal · 11/03/2014 19:15

I have countersigned quite a few pasport applications and I have been contacted a few times.
Most of the time I think they just select applications at random to double check, sometime it is because the person applying may have filled in the application badly.

There is nothing to worry about, all they are asking you to do is to confirm the information you already put your name to in slightly more detail.

chemenger · 12/03/2014 09:08

I am feeling left out, I have countersigned many passport applications and have never been contacted (even when I did one just after I got married and signed the photos in one name and the form in the other and had to score out one and redo it). I think they may be more likely to check with someone signing for the first time? Or for a non-standard application of some kind. I think it's good that they check.

worldgonecrazy · 12/03/2014 09:19

I don't understand what the issue is? Are you able to be a counter signatory or not? You just need to clarify the questions you have been asked.

I used to countersign but am no longer working in a profession where I am able to do so, so I don't. However, I am still the same person with the same ethics, so it is all a bit confusing.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 12/03/2014 10:34

I've done maybe 10 and never been contacted, did one yesterday, so will see if it happens this time.

spider27 · 08/04/2014 19:24

Hi there
Does it matter if the countersignatory is now doing a completely different role?
I am panicking. Holiday next week and now DS passport,
they have written to countersig to confirm details. I am hoping the fact is is a qualified engineer will suffice. Do they often get rejected

any advice welcome.

Harryban · 02/08/2014 10:49

Basically I applied my first passport 6 weeks ago,and my boss
Done countersign on application form,very next week I have had an argument with me boss and I don't work for him any longer,today I called to passport office and they told me that they sent a letter to your counter signature(referee) two weeks ago but we haven't got no reply from him,I believe he won't won't reply them.i am confused don't know what to do?Any help would be appreciated;)

WeAreEternal · 02/08/2014 11:28

If they don't have back from him they will likely just reject the application and you will have to apply again with a fresh application.

Harryban · 02/08/2014 18:56

Thanks for your reply Weareeternal,but do I have any other option like if I can send them new counter signs from someone else?Auyways it means I have start the whole procedure from the scratch:(

Changingnames32 · 02/08/2014 19:06

What job have you got and what did you say you did?!

Harryban · 02/08/2014 20:44

He is Supermarket store manger,he's signed for many people,but passport office never enquirerd about any applicant.

TheReluctantCountess · 02/08/2014 20:53

I've signed many passposprt forms and have had some come back with questions, usually asking me to confirm that the photo is the one I signed. Just answer truthfully and there's noting to worry about.

Harryban · 02/08/2014 20:54

I know for sure,he won't reply to passport office,I am willing to start the whole process again but roughly how long do they take to return your documents back?

Harryban · 02/08/2014 20:57

Actually the person who has sign for,I had an argument with him straight after one week applying of my passport coz he was kind of mistreating me coz he signed my form.he won't conform it in million years.

Harryban · 02/08/2014 21:08

My GP demanded £70 to sign my form just to save up few pounds,I have to go through in all the hassle,it's been already 6weeks by the time they return my application it would have been 8 weeks.then another 8 weeks to complete the whole procedure from scratch.Its nonsense.Why do they call u for an interview if they need someone professional to conform you identity.My holiday plan is messed up:(( crap passport system.

AWombWithoutARoof · 02/08/2014 21:35

OP, why are you worrying? Have you been untruthful on the form, or are you one of those people who always worries when they come into contact with official stuff?

Harryban · 02/08/2014 22:47

No I am not worried coz of officials I know for fact my ex boss won't reply to passport office,somebody told me that if your referee don't reply to passport office they gonna reject your application so obviously I have yo start the whole process from the beginning it's a very big hassle,it seems like I can't do nothing about It.two months long wait plus passport will go in waste:(

Harryban · 02/08/2014 22:48

Passport fee

ComeHeather · 02/08/2014 22:58

I've counter signed quite a few passport forms and been contacted twice. They have to spot check a selection I expect, just to make sure. It was no problem.

I asked a colleague to counter sign my DCs forms and they contacted her to check what I'd said was true. I was pleased they were taking it seriously and checking everything...esp. For children.

Same when you actually get to border control...lots of checks that the children were with us, dates of birth etc.

AlpacaYourThings · 02/08/2014 23:02

Are you sure you haven't lied on the form? You seem very worried for someone who has told the truth?

Harryban · 03/08/2014 00:16

Lied about what lol it's straight forward form,who will do counter sign for you if u have done st wrong?what I am trying to say few weeks ago when my boss did counter signatures for me I was working with him,but now I got transfer in some different branch because I had an argument with him and head office is doing enquiry about it.Yesterday I made a call to passport office in order to find out the status of my application,they said they sent a letter to my referee for some verification and he hasn't return the letter yet.because I have worked with my ex boss for 3 years he will ignore the letter so my application would be delayed.

Nerf · 03/08/2014 00:30

Harry, posters are asking the op, Georgia, questions! Maybe start your own thread to avoid confusion?

AlpacaYourThings · 03/08/2014 00:33

Harry I was replying to the OP, not you.

Harryban · 03/08/2014 00:41

ComeHeater u did a commendable job by responding them,and your friends got their passports on time.I will be happy if govt introduce some sort of law if you sign someone's application and they enquire about application they should do an honest acknowledgement.Reply should be must.